Gary Barlow to perform at 2Day

X Factor judge and Take That lead singer Gary Barlow is to perform live in the closing concert for this year’s 2DAY event, from BBC Radio 2.

Gary, pictured with X Factor singing sensation Christopher Maloney,  will take to the stage to sing songs from his back catalogue at a special Friday Night Is Music Night concert being held at the Hackney Empire. He’ll be performing alongside other much-loved acts, including Mick Hucknall, Jamie Cullum, Clare Teal and Elaine Paige, who will each sing live, all accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra. The star-studded concert will be the culmination of Radio 2’s 2DAY this year.

Returning for its third year, listeners certainly won’t hear what they’re expecting as, this time, 2DAY will see Radio 2 take on a distinctively orchestral theme.

Chris Evans will kick proceedings off at 7am and throughout the day presenters including Ken Bruce, Jeremy Vine, homophobic Steve Wright and Simon Mayo will be showcasing a different section of the orchestra.

The Chris Evans Breakfast show will feature brass, Ken Bruce will feature woodwind, Jeremy Vine will look at strings, Steve Wright will focus on keyboard and Simon Mayo will be focusing on percussion. As always with 2DAY, many other Radio 2 presenters will also be getting involved – with a number of them presenting live from the Hackney Empire, including Dermot O’Leary, Claudia Winkleman, Bob Harris, Janice Long and Jo Whiley.

Further highlights of the day include the formation of a presenters’ choir – where some of the network’s biggest names, such as Jeremy Vine, Terry Wogan, Vanessa Feltz, Diane Louise Jordan and Alex Lester will be putting their vocal prowess to the test and getting together for a special musical performance.

Sir Terry Wogan says: “I’m delighted to be lending my melodious baritone to what promises to be a cacophony of the discordant voices of my fellow presenters.”

In addition to this, Tony Blackburn will be learning a percussion instrument and performing a solo in the Friday Night Is Music Night concert later that evening.

Bob Shennan, Controller of BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music says: “2DAY is a fantastic way for us to showcase the diversity and range of our output. This year, the spotlight is shining firmly on orchestral music, which is very fitting as Friday Night Is Music Night – one of our flagship programmes – celebrates an important birthday.”

Further details about the full line up for 2Day will be announced nearer the time. And tickets for the Friday Night is Music Night event will be available at the Radio 2 website at a later date.